A bathroom is oftentimes the sanctuary of a home, a space where you can find a moment of quiet to relax and unwind after a long day. Give your bathroom a spa-like quality by choosing the right paint color, de-cluttering your countertops, and using the right bath products.

Follow these easy tips to help transform your bathroom into a spa retreat:

• The Color: When choosing the colors for your bathroom, your first concern may be the small space.  Neutral colors such as white and gray can give a clean, crisp feeling to the room. These colors are generally refreshing and are good choices if you want to start your day more alert. Tans that have a bit of red or yellow are referred to as warm neutrals. These colors tend to give a more relaxing and calming energy and are the perfect backdrop to a person who prefers to soak in the tub after a long day. Another way to give your bathroom a cozy feel is to choose a color much lighter or darker than your existing tile, woodwork and accessories. Avoid using too much white on white. Not only is white difficult to keep clean, but it can create an environment that feels very sterile – not relaxing.
• The Space: De-cluttering and cleaning are inexpensive ways to make a small space feel relaxing. Many people keep unnecessary items in the bathroom that make it look and feel chaotic. The key is keeping clutter to a minimum and getting rid of excess items like nearly empty shampoo bottles. Minimize the number of towels you use and organize items that may be cluttering up your countertops. After every use, put away your blow drier, straightener, curling iron, and other hot tools. Remember, cleanliness is next to Godliness. By putting everything in its place, you create an environment that looks and feels cleaner, which will allow you to relax and unwind.
• The Extras: If you really want to feel daily spa-like treatment, invest in some nice fluffy towels, scented candles, and DIY bath products. A big part of relaxing is lighting, so set the mood by turning out the lights and igniting a few candles.  You can also create stress-relieving bath products with common household items such as oatmeal (place two cups of oats in cheesecloth and close with a twist tie), lavender oil (add five drops to your bath to moisturize tired looking skin), or olive oil (packed with vitamin E, add 3-4 drops to smooth and soften skin). Most of these items are relatively inexpensive and can make a huge difference at the end of your day.

Other easy ways to reduce the stress in your bathroom include transferring items into clean glass jars and bottles. Buy products (like cotton swabs) in bulk (and reap the money savings!) and put small amounts into jars, then put the box away and out of sight. Keeping the labels out of sight will help create the spa-like illusion.

For more information on bathroom decorating, contact Hawthorne Painters at 973-427-4478.